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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 19: Small Business Programs › Subpart 19.8

FAR 19.814 Requesting a formal size determination (8(a) sole source requirements).

The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.

In plain English

This section explains how a formal size determination can be requested when the size status of an 8(a) participant nominated for an 8(a) sole source contract is questioned. It lists who may submit the request and states that SBA's Government Contracting Area Director will issue a determination within 15 business days if possible. Appeals follow the procedures at 19.302.

Applies to: 8(a) participants nominated for an 8(a) sole source contract and certain SBA and contracting officials

Key terms: formal size determination · 8(a) participant · 8(a) sole source contract · Government Contracting Area Director · size status

Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.

The text

(a) If the size status of an 8(a) participant nominated for award of an 8(a) sole source contract is called into question, a request for a formal size determination may be submitted to SBA pursuant to 13 CFR 121.1001(b)(2)(ii) by—

(1) The 8(a) participant nominated for award of the particular sole source contract;

(2) The contracting officer who has been delegated SBA's 8(a) contract execution functions, where applicable, or the SBA program official with authority to execute the 8(a) contract;

(3) The SBA District Director in the district office that services the 8(a) participant or the Associate Administrator for Business Development; or

(4) The SBA Inspector General.

(b) SBA's Government Contracting Area Director will issue a formal size determination within 15 business days, if possible, after SBA receives the request for a formal size determination.

(c) An appeal of an SBA size determination shall follow the procedures at 19.302.

Sections it refers to

  • 19.302 Protesting a small business representation or rerepresentation.

← 19.813 Protesting an 8(a) participant's eligibility or size status. · 19.815 Release and notification requirements for non-8(a) procurement. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 19

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.

FAR 19.814 Requesting a formal size determination (8(a) sole source requirements) · SpendQuery